Green Team Advisory Committee

POINT PLEASANT BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Members Present: Peter Ritchings, Courtney Bixby, MJ Gradel, Cindy Kells, Council Liaison-Mike Ramos September 28, 2023, Meeting Minutes ***7:03 pm meeting called to order A motion was made by Courney Bixby to approve the June and August 2023 minutes. MJ Gradel seconded the motion and both were approved. Green Team Meeting (see below) Sustainable Jersey -Action Status and Update- Louise Stillufsen Point Pleasant Beach Green Team Sustainable Jersey September 2023 Report The Green Team is still waiting for the reviews from the final submissions of 2023. Once our 2023 total approved points are known, the team plans to move forward retaining points by choosing actions that can be completed within the 2024 time frame. The Green Team has identified actions that require some documentation ( pictures, posters, articles) and a narrative. Examples: Recycling Depot, 10 Pts. Green Business Recognition 10Pts. Tobacco Free Community 5Pts. Emergency Communication Planning 10Pts. There are other actions that have previously been worked on and are in the final stages of completion. Examples: Anti-Idling Initiative 10Pts. Creative Placemaking Plan 10Pts. Safe Routes to Schools 10Pts. Submitted by Louise Stillufsen September 27, 2023 ***Additional Sustainable Jersey information reported via email from June Cuzzo: With regards to our municipal submission June reports that: “In speaking with the Rutgers program rep - they expect to have all the municipal submissions reviewed and unlocked sometime by the week of Oct 16th. Not sure where ours falls into the review process at this time.” Agenda • Animals in the Community - no report given • Anti-Idling Initiative - MJ Gradel • Cindy emailed Will Smith (school Superintendent) and Sherry Finn (BOE president) regarding signs to be placed on the Niblick Street fence. Instead of placing signs on the fence, Will Smith agreed to digitally send out notifications to the parents. Cindy will report back to Dr. Smith to accept his offer. Additionally, Mike will speak with Dr. Smith about the anti-idling campaign. It was also discussed that signs could be placed on utility poles around the school area. • Report on Planned Actions-no report given Sustainable Jersey Recognition and Awards Luncheon • November 14, 2023NJ League of Municipalities Conference/Sustainable Jersey Luncheon Environmental Commission Meeting Report of Officers • Chairperson: Mail, application review/comment, announcements: • Mail received: Peter reported that he received the OC Environmental Agency minutes from March 16 and June 15, 2023. Committee Task Force and Proiect Status Reports • Council Status Report - Council Liaison-Mike spoke about the town ordinance that outlaws food trucks for private events, which he believes should be amended. He will voice his concerns with members of the town Council • Shade Tree Commission-Anne–the Big Beautiful Tree and the Free Tree PPB programs have kicked off for the year • Open Space Advisory Committee–no report given • Planning Board Actions-Peter Ritchings–Mike, Pete and Courtney spoke of the most recent meeting. The Board reviewed a report submitted by the town planner that indicates 37 properties (now 35) that are in need of rehabilitation/redevelopment in the areas around Channel Drive. Most properties are commercial but a few are residential. This is a work in progress New Item: American Littoral Society-Shuck it don’t chuck it. (location Ideas): ● Brian Martin, town fire inspector initially was not in favor of the suggested location between The Wharfside and Lobster Shanty. He explained that placing the bins in this area will obstruct street access to the water. Peter has been in contact with Kyle Patterson and if the initial location mentioned above does not work, alternative locations will be suggested Ongoing Business - Status Report • Pollinator Garden Projects, student participation=Fall design, Spring installation • Student Garden - Cooks Lane, Fall design, Winter/Spring installation: Cindy will reach out to Kim Hoffman (Antrim Environmental Club advisor) and a HS EC representative to discuss designing, planning and initiating an upgrade to the community garden. She will see if there is interest in taking on such a project. It was discussed that the Environmental Commission members can help with labor, donations and funding. Cindy will invite interested parties to attend future meetings. • ANJEC Open Space Grant Application (Pending).  • Barnegat Bay Partnership Jersey Friendly Yards Program (enroll)--A discussion ensued regarding wind turbines and whether or not they are an economically stable way to generate electricity. A discussion was held as to whether or not Commission members should share a stance. There were no further comments on this topic. • Landscape requirement ordinance (work in progress) • Gas blower ordinance (Yes/No?/Examples)--this topic was not discussed • Use of pesticides on public properties–this topic was not discussed • Seafood Festival: there was a good turnout. Thank you to all who showed up to volunteer. Louise brought trees, mulch and brochures. It was agreed that when attending functions such as this there should be a focus on what will be presented to the public. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Peter and seconded by MJ. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm Next meeting October 26, 2023, 7:00 PM *Denotes active agenda item for discussion